Cabbies Ends Strike After Collector Assures Action Against Bike Taxis Nagpur: A week-long strike by app-based cab drivers at the city’s airport concluded on Wednesday night after district collector Kumar Ashirwad pledged to take legal action against aggregator companies allowing bike ride services in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. The drivers had protested for seven days, demanding higher fares and the removal of bike riders from their apps, citing adverse impacts on their business. They also accused bike operators of operating without commercial licenses, which they claimed violated Regional Transport Office (RTO) regulations. The collector assured media outlets that bikes would be detained and fined if found in violation of rules. He emphasized that commercial licenses are mandatory for offering paid transportation services, stating, “A hefty fine is expected to discourage the bikers. Like the cabs, even the bikes need a commercial licence if services are to be offered for a charge.” Additionally, the administration plans to launch an awareness campaign warning bikers against using aggregator apps without proper licensing. Two union leaders, Deepak Sane and Rishi Kuwar of the Tax Chalak Malak Kruti Samiti, confirmed the strike’s end. Sane highlighted the drivers’ financial strain during the protest and reiterated their demand for fare adjustments aligned with the Regional Transport Authority’s (RTA) schedule. Kuwar noted the collector’s agreement to review fare structures. Sane also urged local authorities to reconsider a proposed government-run app for transport services, which had been discussed over a year ago but failed to gain traction.#nagpur #district_collector_kumar_ashirwad #tax_chalak_malak_kruti_samiti #regional_transport_office #regional_transport_authority
